The three best value items are battery-operated string lights, reflective stickers, and a costume you can wear out. For decorations, reuse last year's pumpkins, dried flowers, and black cloth; buy candy based on the number of people, don't stock up a month in advance as it may melt or expire.
budget and purchasing
What to buy first on a limited budget?
Priority: a small light string that lights the way → one costume → candy → porch decorations, everything else can wait.
Short answer
Priority: a small light string that lights the way → one costume → candy → porch decorations, everything else can wait.